There are two types of research. One is primary and the other is secondary. Students can choose whichever type suits their research goals. In this article, you will learn about secondary research, its types, advantages, and disadvantages.

Let’s explore what secondary research is?

What is Secondary Research?

Definition

Secondary research is a type of research in which the researcher uses data collected by others. In other words, the previously collected data from other research works is used.

Secondary research can be qualitative or quantitative. Moreover, the data used is mostly obtained from review papers, surveys, meta analyses, and government or private databases.

Example of Secondary Research

Let’s see an example of secondary research presented by UK Academic Help to get a better understanding.

Suppose you want to investigate the increasing weight of young adults due to food choices over a period of time. Someone else did a similar research a few years back. You can use data from that research, or you can use data from national surveys and use it for your research.

Types of Secondary Research

Secondary research can be done in several ways. Out of them some of the most common types are discussed below.

Statistical Analysis of Existing Data

In this type, the researcher uses existing data to perform statistical analysis on it. The sources used in it are the online datasets that are openly available or have very low cost. The researcher can download the data and perform multiple statistical analyses on it like regression analysis or correlation analysis.

Some authentic sources for such data are;

  • Government websites
  • Private Organisations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Large Businesses
  • Academic Journals
  • Libraries
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines

Literature Reviews of Different Papers

The researchers can use literature reviews of different research articles. There are surveys of preexisting data in literature reviews. This can help you get an overview of already existing knowledge and allow you to identify research gaps and relevant information.  Moreover, you can also use it as a starting point and conduct your primary research too.

Use literature review to critically analyse, synthesise, and evaluate pre existing knowledge.

Case Studies

Another type of secondary research is using case studies. You can analyse case studies related to your topic and utilise existing research to gain knowledge about your topic.

A case study is usually qualitative in nature and focuses on a real life scenario, person, place, or organisation. You can either use a single complex case study or you can use multiple case studies to analyse different aspects of your topic.

Content Analysis

In this type, a researcher studies the patterns of texts in recorded communication. Content analysis can either be qualitative or quantitative. It is usually used in communication studies, historical analysis, anthropological analysis, and psychological analysis to make semantic interferences.

How to Write a Methodology for Secondary Research?

To write methodology of dissertation using secondary research you can use the following method.

Find the Data from Different Sources

First and most important thing is to find the data from different sources. You can get data from sources like; online websites, educational institutions, published data in libraries, and data archives.

Analyse the Data

After finding and collecting all the data sources, analyse the data briefly. See which information is relevant to your topic and identify the gaps in the existing knowledge.

Select your Desired Data

Then choose your desired and most relevant data according to your topic. Not all the data will be related to your research so you have to be selective.

Design your Methodology

Once you have the desired data by your side its time to design your research dissertation methodology. Design your methodology fulfilling your research requirements.

If you find it difficult to design your methodology you can get dissertation writing help at any hour.

Pros and Cons of Secondary Research

Secondary research is commonly adapted by many students and researchers. It has its own pros and cons which we mentioned below.

Advantages of Secondary Research

The advantages of secondary research include;

  • The sources are easily available for secondary data
  • The sources are mostly free or have very low cost
  • It is less time consuming because you don’t have to do everything from scratch
  • The data is authentic because it is already used to conduct research
  • You can write your dissertation beforehand

Disadvantages of Secondary Research

The disadvantages of secondary research include;

  • The data has less credibility
  • It relies on primary research
  • It can be biassed
  • It is not unique
  • The quality of the research will be compromised

These were some benefits and drawbacks of secondary research. You can use them to make a decision about which type of research you want to conduct.

To compare primary and secondary research you may find this article helpful “Primary Research – Explained By Experts”

FAQs

  • When to use secondary research?

Secondary research is often used when you have less time and finances. It is also used prior to conducting primary research to design the research.

  • Is secondary research qualitative or quantitative?

Secondary research can be both qualitative or quantitative. It depends on the variables you choose for your research.

  • Which research type is best for dissertation writing?

Primary research is more authentic and appreciated. However, students who do not have much time and finances can conduct secondary research to save their dissertation.